One of the major types of retinal damage from the harmful UV rays of the sun is called Photokeratitis. Photokeratitis occurs when the cornea is burned by ultraviolet B rays (UVB) and is also known as radiation keratitis or snow blindness.
Your eyes can get this type of damage in many ways. This condition often occurs at high altitudes where vast blankets of snow appear. Snow can reflect up to 95% of the sun’s rays back to your eyes whereas water only reflects about 80% back. Though a solar eclipse can burn the retina, this type of damage is far less frequent than damage caused from highly reflective fields of snow.
Photokeratitis can also be caused by artificial sources like tanning beds, a welder’s arc, halogen desk lamps, electric sparks, and flood lamps. Just about any high intensity source of light can burn your cornea, even lightning if it occurs close enough.
Symptoms of Cornea Damage
Symptoms include swollen eyelids, eye pain, headache, temporary loss of vision, halos around lights, or blurred vision. These symptoms may not appear right away. It can often take 6 to 12 hours after the UVB exposure before symptoms may occur.
Treatments for Photokeratitis
If you suspect that you may have damage to your cornea, see a doctor at once. He will most likely prescribe some type of ophthalmic antibiotic solution. He may also suggest wearing an eye patch. It’s important to keep the eye closed and not use it at all until vision is completely restored.
These amazing human bodies have an incredible ability to regenerate and with proper treatment, your cornea will begin to heal and restore itself right away. After about 24 to 48 hours your cornea should return to normal, but all precautions should be taken to avoid direct sunlight for at least two weeks. For those who have received corneal damage, the eye doctor will often suggest high-quality sunglasses that provide 100% UVB protection. The design should also include side shields for even greater protection.
Though we most often think of sunglasses as being eyewear worn in the summer time while at the lake, those in areas that receive high amounts of snow should own and wear a pair of excellent quality sunglasses with UV protection. Even children should not be allowed to play outside after a heavy snowfall without adequate eye protection.
At Olympiceyewear.com we offer many brands and styles that would be great for consumers who live in areas that receive large snowfall amounts. Our biohazard line offers excellent protection from UVB rays and is a well-constructed eyeglass that you can wear comfortably all day long. The Aviator line of wholesale sunglasses is also a great choice. Aviator Sunglasses have become a very popular fashion trend in recent years and you can see rock stars and movie stars wearing them at Hollywood entertainment venues. Even the kids might be enticed to wear Aviator Sunglasses if they knew their favorite rock star wore them. Protecting your eyes is important and at Olympic Eyewear, we provide you with many quality lines of attractive, top-quality wholesale sunglasses.
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